The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-10-19
COL. BOATHER DECLINES.
His Reasons for Not Becoming Candidate
for the United States Senate.

Col. G. J. Boatner has addressed the follow
ing open letter to the editor OF the Troyville
17ojan. 1t shows, " says the Monroe BaRe-
tin, in q conspicuous light the estimation in
which Gov McEnery is held by those who
know him best. 1t also shows the unqualified
scorn and contempt with which the people Of
Monroe and all friends of his view the pros
ent disgraceful campaign of SANDER, vituper-
alton and deliberate falsehood against the
existing Democratic Executive and Demo-
cratic administration in Louisiana.
MONROE, La, Oct. 10, 1887.
Editor of the Trojan, Troyvillc, La:
My Dear Sir-The editorial il your last
issuc EXPRESSING in the most fiattcring terms
your desire that | should be selected to
occupy one OF the seats in the United States
Senate. gave me, must say, the most sim
cere pleasure. To be regarded by the people
among whom was reared and with whom
have lived for TWENTY-FIVE years as worthy of
10 distinguished an honor, and as capable Of
representing my native State i'll the highest
an honor and compliment of which man
less vain chan myself might well be proud.
The fact that the three journals published
in the parish of my former residence have
concurlpd i'll expressing their preference for
me-, and that | am assured. they voice the
sentiment of the par sh, excites feeling Of
gratitude to my old friends and paYishioners
which is inexpressible in words.
But while other friends in other parishes
have likewise suggested my name and urged
my election to this Important and honorable
position, l am impressed with the conviction
that l cannot conscientiollsly consent to be-
come Z candidate or longer leave my position
in doubt.
at this time, in my humble Judgment, the
most important subject for the consideration
of the people is the .gubernatorial contest.
which is convnlsing the State.
coterie Of politicians who were bitterly
! opposed to the nomination OF Gov. Mclnery
in 1888, and some of whom We're prepared
tine efforts to defeat, having pursued him
with relentless rancor and hostility during
his entire administration, have dragged from
! honorable retirement that honorable soldier
and distinguished citizen. Gen. Francis L.
Nichols. and are using. him as q stalking
horse for the purpose Of accomplishing the
| ruin of their hated enemy and OF advancing
their own political fortunes.
They aspire to the absolute control of
Louislana. Not content with poisoning the
and all his friends. they now essay to elect
their candidate Governor Of the State. and
thus control not only the patronage Of the
Federal government here. but also the State
admlnlstrat lion.
Refnted in every charge which the malig.
nifty of disappointed ambition could sug-
gest-in every effort to fasten any act Of cor.
rlption or incompetence upon the present
Executive, they content themselves with the
daily and weekly repetition OF stale and ex.
stealth and nnuendo that which theycannot
| hope TO establish by open charge and direct
attack as proof.
They ignore the magnificent SUCCESS which
attended Gov. McEnery's efforts to rehabill
tate our wasted country and protect it from
| the Of flnpVq and TagtilpnFn He
entitled to no credit for the construction OF
| levees, because, they say, that was his duty
ignoring the fact that no Other. Dosii-be'i1n
Governor had succeeded in performing This
most important and vital work.
They ignore the complete success OF quar-
antines regulations, which have protected thu
State from epidemics, because, forsooth, thu
officers by whom this has been accomplished
were the appointees and friends OF Gov. Nc
Emery.
They ridicule the attention he has paid tx
agriculture, and his efforts to arouse the
farmers OF the State to the necessity o
higher and better cultivation of their land
and diversification of products, though tht
great benefits TO be derived therefrom arr
evident 20 the most, ignorant, because, for
| sooth, in doing 30, he hoped to secure hi
renomination!
They laugh at his efforts to excite an interes
in the education OF their children, though
the last census shows deplorable conditio,
OF illlteracy: because. again, he hoped To-
popularity through his efforts in behalf Of
the children of Louisiana.
They ignore the excellence of his judicfa
| appointments; the splendid condition OF thu
finances of the State: the prudence and wig i!
dom with which he has discharged the deli
cate duty imposed upon him in. tho appoint
ment of police jurors, and the showing thos
appointees have made III the management o
parish finances and affairs AL because III
has achieved these great works. as they say
for political influences.
When asked what reform they propose t.
give, what they propose to do. they say
I'VE will give you q man to lead you out o
your trouble
In my opinion the integrity Of the Demo
cratic party il at Issue in this contest.
Gov. Nichols and his friends do not as
that he be honored with the nominations, o
the contrary, the people are to be honored b
his acceptance.
1t is not that they would add another laur'
TO his brow, but they would desract .frol
Coy, McEnery the credit to which he is Just
entitled. and Disgrace him at home al
abroad, 80 far 80 ia in their power.
Such CAM align ought not to have the il
dorsement OF patriotic men and loyal Dem
Gratis.
,, Samuel D. McEnery was orr nominee ar
Is our Governor. He is entitled to fair al
honorable consideration at the hands O.. b
l par.S, and should never be sacrificed
, a.pease the wrath OF faction
= AS my candidacy for 30 important POI
5 ton rs that of United States Senator won
s,onApS. Vil, l.ap tho nf NV friend ftf